cows in early lactation when supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Increases in DMI and gain
have also been reported in beef cattle supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the
receiving period [20]. Data from an in vitro study suggests that Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplements
may also affect rumen pH and nutrient digestibility [21]. Yeast supplements affect live performance,
although these supplements have also been reported to influence carcass performance and composition
in growing lambs [8].
There are a plethora of positive effects associated with supplementation with Saccharomyces
cerevisiae products. This review will briefly elucidate some of these effects with regard to immunity,
metabolism, and performance. These natural supplements provide livestock producers with a
“clean-label” feeding option that may possibly replace sub-therapeutic antibiotic supplementation while
simultaneously mitigating the potential negative effects of morbidity on growth and performance.
Importantly, the increases in performance observed with Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation
coupled with decreased need of disease treatment may improve ultimate profitability.